Bocconia
(named after Paolo Bocconi, M. D., a Sicilian botanist, author of the "Museum des Plantes," and "Histoire Naturelle de l'Ile de Corse," &c.). ORD. Papaveraceae. Two of the species are greenhouse or half-hardy shrubs. Flowers inconspicuous, in terminal panicles, with the branches and branchlets each furnished with one bract. Leaves stalked, glaucous, large, lobed. This genus does not well agree with the rest of Papaveraceae, from its having one-seeded capsules and apetalous flowers. B. cordata is a handsome, hardy, herbaceous plant, with a stately habit and finely-cut foliage, and, where bold subjects are desired, few will be found superior to it. As an isolated specimen on the lawn, or by frequented walks, where it will not be too closely surrounded by tall plants, it may be grown with marked effect. It also forms a good subject for pot culture, and is largely used for sub-tropical bedding. The soil most suitable for its culture is a good fat loam, of considerable depth. Propagated by cuttings, taken from the axils of the larger leaves, during early summer; or by young suckers, taken from established plants, during summer, as they will then flower the following season. If the former method is employed, the cuttings should be pushed on, so that there are plenty of roots before the winter sets in. The other two species require greenhouse culture; but both are eminently suited for sub-tropical gardening, in any light rich soil, or well-drained and airy situation. They are best propagated by seeds, sown in a hotbed in spring, the seedlings being placed out from June to September. B. cordata (cordate).* fl. buff-coloured, very numerous, borne in very large terminal panicles; individually they are not showy, but the fully grown inflorescence has a very distinct and pleasing appearance. Summer. l. large, reflexed, deeply-veined, roundish-cordate; margins lobed or sinuated. Stems growing rather close together, thickly set with leaves. h. 5ft. to 8ft. China, 1795, and 1866. Mr. Robinson recommends its being grown in the angle of two walls which shelter it from the north and east. It runs quickly at the roots, and the suckers may be cut off to the benefit of the parent plant; each sucker will form a strong plant in a year's time. SYNS. B. japonica and Macleaya yedoensis. (B. M. 1905.) B. frutescens (shrubby).* fl. greenish. October. l. large, seagreen, oval-oblong, cuneated at the base, pinnatifid. h. 3ft. to 6ft. Mexico, 1739. (L. B. C. 83.) B. integrifolia (entire-leaved). fl. greenish; panicle crowded. l. flat, oblong, tapering towards each end, entire, or scarcely crenated. h. 9ft. Peru, 1822.
B. japonica (Japanese). Synonymous with B. cordata.